Society News

Jerusalem, Jan 20 (ANI): The militant Islamic State group, which holds territory in Iraq and Syria, issued a video online on Tuesday (January 20), purporting to show two Japanese captives and demanding $200 million (USD) from the Japanese government to save their lives. The clip showed a figure wearing black clothing and holding a knife, standing along with two kneeling men wearing orange clothes. The militant did not specify a currency, but an Arabic subtitle identified it as US dollars. Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that the threat was unacceptable and demanded their safe return. Abe on Saturday (January 17) pledged $200 million in non-military aid for countries contending with fighting Islamic State. Abe said the aid had nothing to do with curbing IS extremists. The militant, who spoke with a British accent, appeared to have the same voice as a jihadist shown threatening captives in previous Islamic State videos.Jan 20, 2015

Dozens of young Iranian students took part on Tuesday in a protest against the printing of satirical sketches of the Prophet Mohammed by French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo outside the French embassy in Tehran. Duration 0:25Jan 20, 2015

New Delhi, Jan 20 (ANI): AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal who was about to file his nomination papers from New Delhi constituency today could not do so as he got late in reaching the office. Kejriwal, who offered prayers at the Valmiki Temple earlier today, held a road show from the temple to the Jantar Mantar after which he was to file his nomination papers. The former Delhi chief minister led a big show of strength today in the city, asking people to join him on his journey towards filing the papers. He also sought blessings from his mother at home before beginning the 4 km long road show. Kejriwal is expected to campaign in BJP chief ministerial candidate Kiran Bedi's constituency Krishna Nagar later in the day. The elections for the 70-member Delhi Assembly will be held in a single phase on February 7, with the counting of votes set to take place on February 10.Jan 20, 2015

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 20 (ANI): Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar participated in mass 'Run Kerala Run', which was held as a prelude to the 35th National Games, in Thiruvananthapuram city on Tuesday (January 20). Tendulkar, who is also the brand ambassador of the Games, thronged god's own country to flag off the event. Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Governor P Sathasivam were also present. The race, endorsed by all political parties and social organisations, besides schools and colleges, would give a final push to the games preparations, creating excitement among the people to become part of the event being hosted by the state after 1987. The nation commences on January 31 at venues at seven districts in Kerala.Jan 20, 2015

New Delhi, Jan 20 (ANI): Supporters of Delhi unit president Satish Upadhyay on Tuesday staged a protest outside party headquarters, for denial of ticket to him. Some protestors were reportedly miffed as he was not named as the party's CM candidate. However, Updahyay said that he was not interested in contesting the polls at all.Jan 20, 2015